💥 Mass Shooting at Taste of the City Lounge - Crown Heights Community

BROOKLYN, NY – August 17, 2025 – A devastating mass shooting at Taste of the City Lounge in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights neighborhood has left three men dead and eight others injured, casting a somber shadow over a venue known for its vibrant nightlife and Caribbean-American cuisine. The incident, which occurred just before 3:30 a.m. on Sunday at 903 Franklin Avenue, involved multiple gunmen opening fire inside the popular restaurant and lounge, according to the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

Details of the Shooting

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch reported that officers responded to multiple 911 calls at approximately 3:27 a.m., arriving to find eleven victims with gunshot wounds. The deceased were three men: two aged 27 and 35, and one of unknown age. The eight surviving victims, including five men and three women aged 27 to 61, were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities recovered 36 shell casings and a firearm near Bedford Avenue and Eastern Parkway, suggesting a barrage of gunfire from multiple shooters. The incident is believed to have stemmed from a dispute inside the lounge, though the motive remains under investigation. No arrests have been made, and suspects are still at large as police review CCTV footage and interview witnesses.

About Taste of the City Lounge

Taste of the City Lounge, located at 903 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225, is a well-known establishment in Crown Heights, celebrated for its Caribbean and American cuisine, full bar, hookah service, and lively entertainment. Opened in 2022, the venue has become a staple in the community, offering a menu that includes dishes like oxtail penne pasta, glazed baby lamb chops, fried catfish, griot (fried pork), and tassot (grilled goat), alongside creative cocktails and small plates. The lounge is particularly noted for its vibrant atmosphere, featuring live bands, DJs playing a mix of R&B, hip-hop, soca, dancehall, and Afrobeats, and a trendy, cozy ambiance that attracts both locals and visitors.

The venue operates from 5:00 p.m. to 3:30 a.m., catering to late-night crowds with offerings like hookah and potent signature drinks such as the “Woman’s Killer” and lychee cocktails. Customer reviews highlight the generous portions, flavorful Haitian and Caribbean dishes, and attentive service, though some note occasional inconsistencies in food quality or service warmth. The lounge is wheelchair-accessible and offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery options, making it a versatile spot for casual dining, group outings, or private events. Its proximity to cultural landmarks like the Brooklyn Museum, less than half a mile away, adds to its appeal as a nightlife destination in the heart of Crown Heights.

Community and Context

Crown Heights is a culturally rich neighborhood with a significant Caribbean and Jewish population, including the nearby Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters. Taste of the City Lounge has been a gathering place for diverse crowds, fostering a sense of community through its food, music, and “Miami vibes.” The shooting has stunned residents, as the venue was seen as a safe space for celebration. Posts on X reflect the shock, with users describing the area as a Jewish neighborhood and noting the heavy police presence following the incident.

The NYPD has described the shooting as an anomaly in a year of historically low gun violence in New York City, with Commissioner Tisch emphasizing the department’s commitment to investigating the incident thoroughly. The recovery of 36 shell casings indicates the intensity of the attack, and the ongoing investigation includes analyzing surveillance footage and seeking public tips through the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline (1-800-577-TIPS). City officials have warned of traffic disruptions and road closures around Franklin Avenue and President Street due to the investigation.

Community Response and Aftermath

The shooting has sparked grief and calls for action in Crown Heights. Local leaders and residents have expressed heartbreak over the violence, with some advocating for enhanced safety measures in nightlife venues and others emphasizing the need to address gun violence’s root causes. The incident follows another recent shooting in Times Square on August 9, which injured three people, fueling broader discussions about gun accessibility in the United States.

Taste of the City Lounge, once a symbol of community and celebration, now faces a challenging path forward as it grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy. The NYPD continues to urge anyone with information to come forward as they work to identify the gunmen and deliver justice for the victims and their families.

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